7 Facial masks questions answered by a dermatologist

Sheet masks are one of the most common skincare staple items for literally everyone. You know it is GOOD, but do you know how to make the BEST out of it?

1. Can I use a mask everyday?

If your skin is healthy, you can use a sheet mask as often as once a day every day. If your skin is sensitive, it is fine to use one every day as well but with a little extra caution. ​

First of all, I recommend not to use a mask for over 10 to 20 minutes. Leaving a sheet mask on for too long can actually dry out your skin because once the moisture evaporates from the fabric, it’ll begin to draw water out of your skin. ​

Sleeping with a mask pack is the easiest shortcut to dry skin, breaking down the skin barrier and eventually getting your skin in trouble. ​

Second, if you feel your skin is extra sensitive, consider placing your mask in the fridge for additional cooling and soothing benefits. ​

Third, remember the longer the list of ingredients, the more potential sources of allergens or irritation. The ingredients that you should avoid when your skin is sensitive are fragrances, parabens, alcohol, colourants, mineral oils, triethanolamine, propylene glycol, and benzophenone.​

2. What is the difference between sheet mask and applying fruits on your skin directly ?

Sheet masks have benefit as it is super easy to use than other forms of face masks. Sheet masks are thin, pre-cut masks that are soaked in serum with active ingredients that are simply applied to your face. These masks are typically made of cottons, fibers, or thin gels to hydrate and deliver essential ingredients to your skin. They are designed to fit neatly on your face as they have slits around your eyes and nose to cover all areas evenly.

With a sheet mask, all you need to do is remove the essence mask from the packaging and apply it to your face. While the ingredients of cream and gel face mask are open to the air, the protective layer of the sheet mask ensures serum is trapped between your skin and the sheet, ensuring maximum absorption of the ingredients. Sheet masks usually contain a higher concentration of active ingredients than a product in a bottle. Using them can facilitate deeper penetration of these ingredients. In addition, sheet masks are incredibly hydrating. Most sheet masks contain humectants, which are ingredients that attract water, such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin that can help seal moisture in.​

Hyaluronic Acid Masks:

3. Should I use toner before using the mask, especially those that contain active ingredients?

When applying a sheet mask, always make sure that you cleanse your face first. ​

And then, use a toner to even out your skin. A face toner is used to help absorb excess dirt, oil, makeup and any other debris that may clog pores. Toners can be used as an alternative way to cleanse the skin on the face when frequent washing may be irritating for those with sensitive skin. ​

Finally, you can go ahead and apply the sheet mask. ​

If you have sensitive skin and are using a toner for face with active ingredients such as salicylic acid, glycolic acid, vitamin C or retinol, you can start by using a toner 2-3 times a week until you’ve gradually built up a tolerance for everyday use.​

4. How does mask texture affect the absorption of mask essence deep to our skin?​

Sheet mask is one of the ways to apply cosmetics and to deliver the active ingredients. The ingredients in sheet mask are same as those in creams, lotions, or essences, but usually contain a higher concentration. Absorption is enhanced based on ‘occlusive effect’, as the serum is trapped between your skin and the sheet. The more the texture of the mask is denser or firmer, the more the absorption will be.​

One of the best textures of sheet mask that shows maximum absorption is bio-cellulose. Bio-cellulose mask fabrics provide skin-tight dermal adhesion, allowing them to transfer cosmetic ingredients very efficiently. The texture of a bio-cellulose mask feels like a cool, moist gel but its underlying structure is incredibly strong and resilient. Bio-cellulose masks do not dry out during application.

5. What should I know about sheet masks if I have sensitive skin?​

If you have sensitive skin, look for non-fragranced sheet masks with soothing ingredients like aloe, allantoin, niacinamide (vitamin B3), and witch hazel. ​

In addition avoid anything labelled as ‘anti-ageing’, or ‘for acne’ as it may contain harsh ingredients. ​

The ingredients that you should avoid when your skin is sensitive are fragrances, parabens, alcohol, colourants, mineral oils, triethanolamine, propylene glycol, and benzophenone. ​

6. How to choose the perfect mask for sensitive skin?

The texture of mask sheet would be important as well. ​

The cotton face sheet mask fits well on the face and has a white fabric. It does not contain severe chemicals that may irritate or itch the skin. It is soft, absorbent, and allows air and moisture to move around freely, allowing your skin to stay comfortable and moisturized & glowing. ​

Tencel fiber has naturally derived from natural trees. ​

Bamboo mask is bio-degradable and eco-friendly. It has white and light cream in color. Bamboo sheet mask has a soft, gentle texture ideal for sensitive skin. ​

Bio-cellulose masks are synthetic fibres that are extremely absorbent and can hold a lot of water without any difficulty, so they’re ideal for very dry skin.

7.  What is vegan mask? How vegan skincare benefits my skin?​

Vegan skincare products are ones containing no animal-based ingredients or by-products. Accordingly, ingredients such as honey, lanolin, collagen, gelatin, beeswax, cholesterol, carmine, squalene, and stearic acid are not found in vegan beauty products. Unlike conventional beauty products, vegan skincare products contain way fewer ingredients, which makes it suitable for sensitive skin. By using a combination of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and botanical extracts, vegan skincare products can help rejuvenate your skin and achieve a healthy glow. ​

In addition, vegan skincare products are 100% cruelty-free. As per definition, vegan means “no animal products used” as well as “cruelty-free”. This also indicates that vegan products are not tested on animals, so no living being has been abused for their realization.  It is good for the environment as well, as the animal-based beauty industry can cause air pollution, water pollution, and deforestation.​

From soothing and rejuvenating your skin even if your skin is sensitive, all the way to keeping animals from harm and being eco-friendly, vegan skincare offers a wide range of advantages.​